Mining is better with friends, and the 0.15.0 ‘Friendly Update’ includes Realms, making it easier than ever to join friends and play together in Minecraft: Pocket Edition. That’s right, Realms finally return to the Pocket Edition family, and now players on mobile (iOS, Android) can play with Windows 10 users — and later this year, will also roll Xbox One Minecraft into the cross-platform fold.
Previously removed from mobile, Minecraft PE Realms brings private subscription servers for anyone willing to shell out a $8 monthly fee. The private servers allow friends to share their own special world, where invited members can join even if the host isn’t online. These are persistent servers, and now mobile players can take advantage of all the awesome benefits other platforms have enjoyed since the original Pocket Realms servers were closed back in 2014.
Here we’ll show you how to connect with friends. Either locally, through Xbox Live, or by joining or hosting a Realm. It’s all pretty easy, but in case you’re confused, we’ve got the details.
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How to Realms | Local & Xbox Live Guide
There are three ways to play; locally, over Xbox Live, or by joining a private Realms server. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Before joining or hosting any multiplayer worlds, make sure to…
- Go To Options -> Xbox Live Account Setting -> Tap / Click Manage
If you don’t have an Xbox Live Account, you can sign up for free right here.
How to Play Local Multi (iOS / Android):
Everyone on iOS, Android, or Windows 10 can join the same world locally by following these simple steps.
- Requirements: Everyone must be on the SAME WIFI NETWORK.
To Host Local Multi World:
- Go To Options -> Switch On the following settings:
- Multiplayer Game
- Broadcast to Lan
- Go To Play -> Select a World / Create a New World
- Up to five (5) friends can now join your game!
To Join A Friend’s World:
- Go To Play -> ‘Friends’ Tab -> LAN Games
- The host’s world should appear under ‘LAN Games’
- Join!
Playing locally isn’t always easy to schedule, especially if you’ve got long-distance friends. Here are some more options to connect cross-platform in Minecraft: Pocket Edition.
How to Play Xbox Live Multi (iOS / Android):
Playing over Xbox Live doesn’t require a Gold Account like it does on the Xbox One console. If you’re on mobile device or Windows 10, all you need is a free Silver Account to play online with friends over Xbox Live.
If you still don’t have an account, here are the in-game sign-up instructions again:
- Go To Options -> Xbox Account Settings -> Click / Tap Manage
You’ll arrive at the Xbox Live website. Input your login / password or register a new account.
Once that’s done, you can now start playing over Xbox Live. To get a game going, follow these steps;
To Host On Xbox Live:
- Go To Options -> Switch On the following settings:
- Multiplayer Game
- Broadcast to Xbox Live
- Go To Play -> Select a World / Create a New World
- Up to five (5) friends can now join your game over Xbox Live!
- If the host is in-game, the host can invite Xbox Live friends in the Pause menu.
To Join A Friend On Xbox Live:
- Go To Play -> ‘Friends’ Tab -> Joinable Games
- The host’s world should appear under ‘Joinable Games’
- Join! All it takes is a tap.
How to Play Minecraft PE Realms Multi (iOS / Android):
Realms is the biggest, baddest, and best way to share your world with friends. The host’s Realms World is persistent, and friends can join the world even when the host is offline. Realms is a subscription service, and the host must pay $8 a month to keep their world going. Joining players do not need a Realms subscription — anyone that’s invited can join a host’s realm.
How to Start A New Realm (Host):
- Go To Play -> ‘Realms’ Tab -> Tap ‘New Realm’
- Up to 10 friends can play in the same Realm.
- Type in a unique name for your realm.
- Accept the Subscription Terms – iTunes or Other (Android)
- Tap ‘Create For Free!’
- The first 30 days are free. Subscription charges only begin after the 30 day period is up.
- A list of Xbox Live friends will appear. Tap the ‘Plus’ next to the name to add them to your server.
- Don’t forget, your Realms server can only add up to 10 friends. Don’t worry — friends can be removed or added later, you don’t need to add anyone yet.
- When you’re done, tap ‘Done. Let’s Play!’
How to Join a Friend’s Realm:
- Go To Play -> ‘Realms’ Tab
- Any Realms you’ve been invited to will appear in the list below ‘New Realm’
- Tap the name of your friends’ realm to join.
If you’re the Realm Host, you can cancel your subscription or close the Realm, go to ‘Realm Settings’ -> Subscriptions. Here you’ll find the options ‘Manage Subscription’ and ‘Close Realm’ — use these setting if you want to cancel auto-renewal, or want to close your realm entirely.
That’s all you need to know to get started playing cross-platform in Minecraft: Pocket Edition. Let us know if this guide was useful, and if there’s anything else you want to see in the future on Gameranx.
